Tree Stand Falls....Are You or I Next - Added a Lifeline

[LC]

I feel bad for OP and hope his friend healed fast and quick with no problems. WITH that said I think it's absolutely stupid to leave a stand up year around and not expect this exact same thing to happen. The trend now adays seems to be ladder stands which are generally but wrongfully thought of the "safest" . The are cumbersome to move so are generally left out and I think they will soon move to the most dangerous stands. JMHO.

[Orion]

I'm on the strong side of 70 now so don't use climbers and hang- ons as much as I used to.  Regardless, I never leave my stands or steps in the woods after I'm done hunting.  That goes for the ladder stands I use as well.  Rodents chew on straps and the sun and weather work on synthetic materials as well.

I used to teach Bowhunter Education classes.  Research available then indicated that tree stand accidents divided almost equally into thirds-- about third while ascending, a third while descending and a third while on the stand itself.  Always a good idea to be tethered to the tree during all of those steps.

[riverrat 2]

You cant be safe enough. for yourself and those who depend on you safety is paramount. Personally I always remove the cables that have they crimed/swedged clevis ends on them for chain and stainless hardware. Same for the hanging strap. switched to a chain and chain binder that gets padlocked when cinched into postion. A little flat black paint,and a lifeline in case I slip...done. On a climber I always make sure the cable is solid and I have good boot straps on the platform,and there is a tether between the climbing section and the platform. Life line once your in position before anything else. Hunt another day,and be home for dinner.   rat'

[LJOHNS]

I have been using full body harness for many years.  I am adding lifelines on all my hang on stands this year.  I am going to buy 150' of 11mm static climbing rope and some 6mm or 7mm cord for prusik knots on each.  I use a HSS harness.

I am also making my own lineman line with static rope, new carabiners, and a ropeman ascender.  Several videos on line show how to set this up.

Safety is top priority.  Don't chance a fall from a stand!

and never leave your stands out all year.  Pull them when season is over.  Inspect all straps and hardware before you re-hang them.